Co-produced by Shanghai Media Group (SMG) and three other companies with an investment of HK$15 million, McDull Kungfu Ding Dong Ding is the first in the McDull series of films to be shown on the Chinese mainland.

"The great popularity of McDull Kungfu is very much linked to the current economic situation, as it reflects many people's real lives in Hong Kong and the mainland," said Lawrence Chen, a senior strategist at Interbrand, an international consulting firm.

"Many in the audience, like McDull, think they are not very smart or wealthy. But McDull is very optimistic, very easy to satisfy with a chicken meal or some other tiny things, and he also keeps pursuing his dream no matter how hard it is," Chen said.

Chen also cited the timing of the movie's release in a down economy.

"During the global economic meltdown, there is lots of uncertainty in people's hearts, and they very much need comfort," Chen said, "McDull is coming at the right time."

Mak, the character's co-creator, said the latest McDull movie is unlike earlier films that featured stories about the mother's struggles in Hong Kong.

"The two move to the Chinese mainland looking for fortune and pursuing their dreams, as many Hong Kong people are currently doing," Mak said.

Wang Lei, the film's producer, told Shanghai Daily that the movies are part of a plan to make McDull a competitive domestic cartoon brand.

Currently, 52 Chinese cinemas are featuring lotteries that will award the winners a free trip to Maldives, McDull's dream destination.

McDull-themed credit cards are available from Shanghai Pudong Development Bank.

Producers will develop books and DVDs based on the films, as well as educational materials for children, Wang said.